Tubing bleeder and anchor



E V CROWELL. ET AL TUBING BLEEDER AND ANCHOR Filed Jan. 7, 1926 INVENTOR. wma/d. W/U/v/z Y 5rd M Cron/@M ATTORNEY.

Nov. 23 1926.

Patented Nov. 23, 1926.

ITE!) STATES PA ERD V. CROWELL, 0F lLOS ANGELES, AND LEONARD A. VATSON, OF TAFT, CALIFORNIA; SAID LEONARD WATSON ASSIGNOR T0 SAID ERD V. CROWELL.

TUBING BLEEDER AND ANCHOR.

Application led January It is the object of this invention to pro;

vide a tubing bleeder cooperating with a tubing anchor so that turning the string of tubing will release the anchor to permit its operative engagement when the string of tubing is lowered slightly, the tubing bleeder also cooperating with the tubing.

anchor so that subsequent lowering of the upper portion of the string of tubingrelative to its anchored lower portion will open the bleeder valve.

It is a further object of the invention to providea tubing bleeder-comprising normally expanded telescopic parts fixed against relative turning movement, and having the upper and lower portions of a string of tubing fixed to the respective telescopic parts with .a tubing anchor mounted on the lower portion of the string of tubing.

The tubing anchor is released for expansion to operative position by turning that l portion of the stri/ng of tubing on which it is mounted, and the fixing of'the telescopic parts of the bleeder against ,relative turning movement provides for lsaid' turning of the lower portion of the string of tubing by rotation of the upper portion of the string. Akt'ter release of the anchor it is expanded to operative position by lowering that'portion otl the string of tubing upon which it is mounted. and said downward movement of the lower portion of the string .oftubing may be accomplished by lowering the upper portion of the string,'due to the. normal expansion of the telescopic parts of the tubing .bleeder by 'yieldable vmeans which exerts sulicient pressure to prevent relative telescoping, of 'the parts of the tubing bleeder when the upper portion of the string is lowered. The tclescoping parts of the tubing bleeder are provided with normally nonalined ports. and after the anchor operatively engages the casing so as to x the lower portion of the string ,.of tubing. continued lowering of the upper portion of the string overcomes the resistance offered by the yieldable expansion means and thus telescopes the tubing bleeder so as to aline the ports yand thus permit escape of Huid' from the string of tubing'.

The invention will be readily understood from the following description of the accompnnying drawings, in which:

7, 1926. Serial No. 79,751; i t

Fig. 1 is apartialaxial section showing the tubing bleeder closed and the tubing anchor secured in inoperative position. i

Fig. 2 is a similar view showing the anchor in operative position and the bleeder shifted to open position.

Fig. 3 is a transverse section onl the line 3 3 of Fig. l.

F ig. 4 is a fragmentary view similar to Fig. l but showing a modified form of the tubing bleeder. i

Fig.v 5 is a partial axial section of a modified form of the tubing anchor.

A usual string of tubing l extends downwardly through the casing 2 of a well in spaced relation from the wall of the casing.

In the form of the invention illustrated in Figs.l l to 3, the combined tubing bleeder and anchor comprises relatively telescoping parts 3 and 4 which constitute the bleeder, and a length of tubing 5 having slips 6 mounted thereon to form the anchor. The part 4 may be connected to the tubing 5 by a threaded connection 7, and the upper end of part 3 and the lower end of tubing 5 are connected by coupling collafs 8 and 9 `to the ends of next adjacent lengths of the string of tubing 1 so that the bleeder may be positioned at any desired level in the string of tubing.`

`The parts 5 6 form a usual tubing catcher and anchor of the type adapted forY ly relative to sleeve 11, and the engagementof the slips with thewall of casing 2 locks the tubing and the portion of the string of tubing which depends therefrom.

A coil spring 1Q is mounted -on tubing 5 between the lower end of sleeve 1l and the collar 9. so that the spring is normally compressed by the weight of sleeve 11 and slips 6. thereby positioning the slips in inoperative position below the beveled surfaces 10 as shown in Fig. l. If the string of tubing breaks so that it drops suddenly, the spring 12 tends to retard the fall of the slips which are thereby expanded by th'e beveled surfaces `10 so as to engage the wall of casing 2 and automatically anchor the tubing.

The means for anchoring the tubing inanually, irrespective pf the operation of the automatic device, comprises a sleeve 13 slidable on tubing 5 below the sleeve 11. A vertical slot 14 opens through the lower end of sleeve 13 and has a transverse slot 14a at its upper end terminating in a relatively short depending 'slot 141. Lug 15 on t-lie collar 9 is slidable in the slots, and when seated in the slot 14b limits sliding of tubing 5 relative to sleeve 13 so as to space the sleeves 11 and 13. Bowed springs 16 depend from sleeve 13 and are connected at their lower ends by a collar 17 which is slidable on the string of tubing; and these springs frictionally engage the wall of casing 2 to hold the sleeve 13 against turning in the casing. As a con-` sequence tubing 5 may be turned relative to sleeve 13 so as to move lug 15 along transverse slot 14a and into alinement with slot 14; and with the parts in this position` lowering the tubing 5 will move lug 15 downwardly in slot 14 and thus shift the sleeve 11 downwardly against the sleeve 13 which is held against longitudinal displacement by its springs 16. Sleeve 11 is thus shifted upwardly so as to slide the slips 6 along the beveled surfaces 10 and thereby expand the slips into engagement with the casing wall for locking tubing 5 and the portion of the string of tubing which depends therefrom.

The telescopic member 4 of the tubing bleeder is a shell having an enlarged bore 18 provided with diametrically opposite longitudinal grooves 19;.and the member 3 is a Vlength of tubing having lugs 20 projecting radially from its lower end and seating in the grooves. By this arrangement the part 3 is free to telescope relative to the part 4, but said parts aie fixed against relative turning so that rotating the upper portion of the string of tubing and the part 3 which is fixed thereto, will also turn the part 4 and the tubing 5 to release the tubing anchor by alinenient of lug 15 with the slot 14.

A sleeve 22 is mounted on tubing 3 and is fixed to shell 4 by threaded connection 23; and a bleeder port 24 in tubing 3 is normally closed by the sleeve. The sleeve is provided with a port 25 adapted for alinement with poi't 24 when tubing 3 is telescoped relative to sleeve 22 and shell 4; and the bore of' sleeve 22 is preferably provided with an elongated annular recess 26 communicating with port 25. so that any appreciable tele-.

scoping of tubing 3 will permit fluid to drain through port 24, recess Q6, and port 25, without necessitating exact alinement of the ports. .y

Packing glands 27 are preferably provided between the ends of sleeve 22 and tubing 3 and a coi/l spring 28 ismounted on tubing 3 between "the upper packing gland and the coupling collar 8. in order to normally yieldably maintain the parts 3-4 in expanded position with port 24 closed. The spring QS of tubing is depressed, and as a consequencdx the. tubing anchor after being released by turning the upper portion of the stringl of tubing` may be shifted to voperative position for lockingthe lower portion of the string otI tubing, by slightlyY depressing the upper portion of the string. lith the lower portion of the string of tubing thus locked against axial displacement in the casingycontinued depression of the upper portion of the string causes spring QS to yield, and thereby telescopes the parts 3-4 so as to open port 24 and permit the string of tubing to drain. An interior shoulder 29 formed by the enlargement of t-he bore of shell 4; is adapted for abutment by the lugs 2() to limit telescoping of the parts 3-4 when the ports .94-25 are in alinement.

After the tubing has drained and it is dcsired to withdraw the saine from the well, the upper portion of the string of tubing is elevated to again expand parts 3-4 and thereby close the bleeder port 24. Continued elevation of the upper portion of the string of tubing causes lugs 20 to engage the lower packing gland 2T and thereby elevate lshell 4 and the tubing 5; and the movement of beveled surfaces 10 of the' tubing 5 away from slips 6 releases the latter from their locking engagement with casing 2.

In operation, preparatory to ruiming the tubing into the casing bore, the tubing is turned so as to seat the lug 15 in slot 14, thereby rendering the manually controlled anchoring means inoperative; and conversely, when pulling the string of tubing from the vcasing bore, the tubing'is preferably turned so as to position the lug 15 in the slot 14, thereby rendering the manually controlled means automatically operative for catching the tubing in the event of breakage, irrespective of the functioning of spring `12 yof the automatic catcher, and thus increasing the safety factor of the autom-atie catcher when pulling tubing.

In the modification of the invention illustrated in Fig. 4, a tubing anchor is einployed similar to that. already described, and the telescopic part ofthe tubing bleeder -which is fixed to tubing 5 is elongated as at e.

normally maintaining the parts lf3-eta in eX- `panded position, but yielding atter the tubing anchor locks the lowerportion 'of the string of tubing, to permit.teleseopmg ot saidparts for alinement of ports Q-l and 25.

lilith either form of the tubing bleeder, it will be noted that if the tubing brealts and the slips (i are consequently automatically expanded to loclr the lower 4portion ot' the string of tubing in thecasing, the spring 28 or E28al will cushion the i'all of the upper portion vof the string ot' tubing and thereby prevent injury to the tubing.

lin the modification of the invention illustrated in Fig. 5, a tubing anchor is employed which can only be manually operated and therefore does not form an automatic catcher in the event of breaking of the tubing. As an instance ot' this arrangement the tubing bleeder may be either ot the constructions previously described, and the telescopic member which is fixed to tubing 5 is preferably an integral part thereot` as shown.

The slips 6 cooperate with the beveled surfaces l0 for expansion ot' the slips,

but instead'of employing the sleeves lland string having normally non-alined 13 and the spring l2, the slips are supported directly by a sleeve 13b which is provided with the friction springs 16, and the tubing 5 is `adapted for turning and longitudinal movement relative to sleeve 13b, as previously described, tof/lock the slips in the well easing.

`We claim:

l. A string of tubing comprising relatively telescopic upper and lower portions of the orts adapted for a-linement by teleseoping oA the parts, and means for anchoring the lower portion of the string of tubing at any desired levelin the wel f 2.' A string of tubing comprising relatively telescopic upper and lower portions ot' the string having normally non-alined ports Y' adapted for alinement bytelescoping ot the parts, and a combined tubing catcher and anchor adapted to automatically secure the lower portion of the string of tubing againstdropping in a well'in the event oit' breaking of the tubing and arranged for manual aetuation to anchor the lower portion ot the Astring of tubing at any desired level in the well. l

k3. A string of itubing comprising relatively telescopic upper and lower portions ot the string iXed against-v relative turning movement-and having normally non-aliined ports y adapted for\alinement bytelvescoping of the parts, and normally 'inoperative meansffor anchoring the lower portion of the string ot tubing in a well, said anchoring means being released for operation by turning the string-of tubing relative thereto. y

4i. A string of tubing comprising relative-` n ly telescopic upper and lower portions of the being adapted to yield by lowering the upper portion ot' the `string of tub/ing after anchoring of the lower portion of lthe string to permit telescoping ot' said parts.

5. A string of tubing comprising relatively telescopic upper and lower portions of the string fixed against relative turning movement and having normally non-alined ports ada ted for alinement by telesco )infr of the parts, normally inoperative means for anchoring the loweriportion of the string of tubing ina well, said anchoring means being released for operation by turning the string of tubing relative thereto, said anchoring means heilig operated by depression ol thev lower portion ot' the string of tubing relative to the anchoring means, and yieldablel means normally maintaining the telescopic parts in expanded position to permit said depression of the `lower portion of the string of tubing by lowering the upper portion of the string, said expanding means being adapted to yield by lowering the upper-,portion of the string of tubing after anchoring of the lower portion of the string to permit telescoping oi said parts.

6. A string of tubing comprising relatively teleseopic upper and lower portions of the string, means for automatically securing the lower portionf'of the string of tubing against dropp'mg in a well in the event ot' breaking of the ti'ibing, and yieldable means normally expanding the telescopic parts and adapted to yield for cushioning the fall ot the upper portion'ot the string o tubing inthe event of said anelroringfof the lower portion otk the string. v

T. ii string or tubing comprising relatively telescopic upper and lower portions ot' the string having normally non-alined ports adapted for alinement of telescopingof' the parts, a combined tubing catcher and anchor adapted to automatically secure ,the

lower portion of the string Vof tubing against Y dropping in a well in the event' of breaking of the tubing and arranged for manual` actuation to anchor the lower portion of the`\y string of tubing at any desired level in the well by depression of the lower portion of the string of tubing relative to said anchoriing means. ,and yieldable means' normally maintaining the telescopic. parts in expanded position to` permit said depression of the lio said expandingineans being adapted to yield by lowering the upper portion of the string of tubing after anchoring of the lower portion of the string to permit telescoping of said parts, and said expanding means being also adapted to yield for cushioning the fall of the upper portion of the string of tubi ing in the event of. the lower portion of the string of tubing being secured against dropping in the well by automatic operation of the tubing catcher.

8. A string of tubing comprisingrelatively telescopic upper and lower portions of the string fixed against relative turning movement and having normally non-alined ports adapted foralinement by telescoping of the parts.

, 9. A string of tubing comprising relatively /telcscopie upper and lower portions of the string adapted for flow of fluid through thc string of tubing and having normally non-alined ports spaced above the fluid inlet to thestring Vand adapted for alineiiient by telescoping ofthe parts to bleed the string of tubing of fluid, and yieldable means' 1 normally maintaining the telescopic parts in expanded position.

1Q. A string of tubing comprising relatively telescopio upper and lower portions of the string fixed against relative turning movement and havingv normally nonal`ined ports adapted for alinement by telescoping of the parts, and yieldable/means normally maintaining the telescopic parts 'inexpandet position.

v 11. A string of tubing comprising relatively telescopic upper and lower portions of the string, and means for anchoring the lower portion of the string at any desired level in a well.

`12. Ay string of tubing comprising relatively telescopic upper and lower portions of the string, anda catcher adapted to automatically secure the lower portion of the string against dropping in a well infthe4 event of the breaking of the tubing.

A string of tubing comprising rela- .tively telescopio upper and lower portions 'of the string, and a combined tubing catcher and anchor adapted to automatically secure the lower portion of the string against dropi ping in a well in the event of breaking of the tubing and arranged for manual actuation to anchortlie lower portion of the string at v any desired level in the well.

14. A string of tubing comprising relatively telescopic upper and lower portions of the string fixed against relative turning movement, and normally inoperativeI means for anchoring the lower portion of the string of tubing in a well, said anchoring means being released foi opeiation by turning the string of tubing relative thereto.

15. A string of tubing compiising relatively telescopic upper and lower portions of the string, means for anchoring the lower portion of the. string of tubing in a well, said anchoring means being operated by depression of the lower ortion of the string of tubing relative to tie anchoring means, and

l ieldable means normally maintaining the telescopic parts iny expanded position.

16. A string of tubing comprising relatively telescopic upper and lower portions of the string fixed against relative turning inovementand having normally non-alined ports 'adapted for alinement by telescoping of the parts, said alined ports being adapted to bleed the string of tubing of fluid.

17. A string of tubing comprising relatively telescopic upper and lower portions of the string adapted for flow of Huid through 'the string and fixed against relative turning movement and having normally non-alined ports spaced above the fluid'inlet to the string and adapted for alinement by telescoping of, the parts to bleed the string of tubing of fluid,and yieldable means norinally maintaining the telescopic parts in expanded position. 18. yA string. of tubing comprising rela- Uu y tively telescoping upperand lower ,portions 'ERD v. onownLL.` LEONARD A. WATSON. 

